SAN DIEGO, Oct. 14, 2013 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Harry Eugene Sarles, Jr., M.D., FACG was elected by the membership as the 2013-2014 President of the American College of Gastroenterology (ACG), a national medical specialty society representing more than 12,000 clinical gastroenterologists and other specialists in digestive diseases. Dr. Sarles officially took his position as President during the College's 78th Annual Scientific Meeting, held this week in San Diego. As President, Dr. Sarles will direct ACG's programs, which include continuing medical education in the clinical, scientific and patient-related skills of gastroenterology, policies involving national and state medical affairs, managed care issues and clinical investigation.

Dr. Sarles is currently a private practice gastroenterologist at the Digestive Health Associates of Texas in Dallas, TX. He is chief of staff at Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital in Rockwall, Texas. "I enjoy patient interaction and feel grateful to be able to learn about my patients' needs and recommend the best personalized treatment for them," says Sarles. "I make it a priority to give my patients the time they deserve, and I am passionate about them receiving the best care possible."

Dr. Sarles has been a very loyal and active member of the College for many years, which gives him a unique approach to his next year as ACG President. "My experiences as a long-time member have helped me prepare for leading this wonderful organization that I view as the champion for all clinical gastroenterologists. The College places quality as a top priority in the field of gastroenterology, and I want to promote, protect and preserve our profession and inspire others to get involved and take on leadership roles in the College."

Dr. Sarles became an ACG Fellow in June, 1993. He has been a committee member for the National Affairs Committee (1996-2004), Patient Care Committee (1996-2001), Nomination Committee (1999-01), Professional Issues Committee (2004-05), Practice Management Committee (2004-09), Credentials Committee (2009-10), Professional Issues Committee (2011-present), Research Institute Board (2011-12) and Co-Chair of the Quality Measures Committee (2007-12). He has been an ACG representative to the National Carrier Advisory Committee (2008-12) and the Physician Consortium for Performance Improvement Committee (2008-10). He was the Clinical Editor for ACG's Digestive Health Smartbrief (2007-08) and held multiple terms as an ACG Trustee (2004-06; 2006-08; 2009). He served as Chairman for the Practice Management Committee (2000-02), Finance Committee (2010-12) and Board of Governors (2002-04). Additionally, he has been an ACG Governor for the north Texas region (1996-00) and Vice Chairman Board of Governors (2000-02).

Dr. Sarles has served as Secretary (2009-10), Treasurer, (2010-11), and Vice President (2011-12) of the College. He is the 2005 recipient of the College's William D. Carey Board of Governors Award.

"The College and I are dedicated to advancing the priorities of the membership by including both academic and practice clinicians in leadership roles in the college. This concept, now part of our strategic plan, has led to the existence of the Board of Governors, where any fellow of the College can be elected to a prestigious leadership position representing colleagues in their home state. This is very important to me, as my first leadership role in the College was to represent North Texas gastroenterologists to the Board of Governors and to the College as a whole. The collegial atmosphere between academic and private practice clinicians is infectious in our organization."

Dr. Sarles has been very involved with other professional societies, including Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Fraternity, Texas Medical Association, American Medical Association (through 2010),

Dallas County Medical Society, American Gastroenterology Association, American Society of Gastrointestinal Endoscopy and President of the Gastrointestinal Political Action Committee (2008-11). He has held multiple member positions at the Texas Society for Gastroenterology and Endoscopy, and was the recipient of their Marcel Patterson/Robert Nelson Career Service Award in 2005.

Dr. Sarles received his B.A. from the University of Texas at Austin, and his medical degree from the University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston. He completed his gastroenterology fellowship at V.A. Hospital Phoenix, Arizona, a University of Arizona-affiliated program. He has had numerous studies and abstracts published in medical journals, and has given many presentations and lectures related to gastroenterology.

About the American College of Gastroenterology

Founded in 1932, the American College of Gastroenterology (ACG) is an organization with an international membership of more than 12,000 individuals from 80 countries. The College's vision is to be the pre-eminent professional organization that champions the evolving needs of clinicians in the delivery of high quality, evidence-based, and compassionate health care to gastroenterology patients. The mission of the College is to advance world-class care for patients with gastrointestinal disorders through excellence, innovation and advocacy in the areas of scientific investigation, education, prevention and treatment. www.gi.org. View releases on research breaking at the ACG meeting and follow ACG on Twitter and share your live updates #acg2013.